Best Overall
Willa’S Oat Milk
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Our content is meticulously curated through independent research, testing, reviews, and AI-driven recommendations, all designed to present you with the finest product choices. When you make a purchase through our links, it could result in us earning a commission.
Last Updated:
Oat milk is one of the most popular plant-based milk options to hit the market. It has a creamy, neutral taste that makes it a great replacement for cow’s milk, especially if you’re vegan or lactose-intolerant. It also has a lower environmental impact than dairy milk, as it doesn’t require as much water or land to produce. We’ve done our research and compiled the most popular oat milk beverages of 2024 to guide you on your dairy-free journey. Willa's Oat Milk is a team favorite because of its creamy consistency and low sugar content. Read on for more delicious options!
The Best Oat Milk Buying Guide
When shopping for oat milk, there are many factors to consider. Use this comprehensive buyer’s guide to consider the product features and find the perfect oat milk for you.
Ingredients
When selecting oat milk, carefully examine the list of ingredients. Look for organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free options. These products are typically of higher quality and often contain fewer additives than their non-organic counterparts. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that any added flavorings are all-natural and free from preservatives.
Calories
Oat milk is generally considered a low-calorie beverage, with around 120 calories per cup on average. However, certain brands offer higher calorie counts due to added ingredients such as oils or sweeteners. If you’re looking for a low-calorie option, make sure to double-check the nutrition label before purchasing.
Protein/Fat Content
Generally, oat milk contains around one to two grams of protein per cup, with fat content ranging from 0 to 5 grams per cup. If you want to add more protein to your diet, you should consider purchasing oat milk fortified with pea protein. These products tend to have higher levels of both protein and fat compared to other brands.
Taste
Oat milk has a creamy texture and mild taste that lends itself well to baking and cooking applications. The flavor also varies among different brands. Some contain added sweeteners or spices for a sweeter taste, while others offer a less sweet option. Consider how you plan to use the oat milk and select one based on its flavor profile.
Vitamin and Mineral Content
Most oat kinds of milk have been fortified with additional vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D. Selecting oat milk fortified with these nutrients can help ensure you’re getting adequate amounts in your diet. However, it’s important to read the nutrition facts label carefully; some brands may contain more than necessary or none at all.
Lactose-Free
As oat milk is made from oats rather than dairy products, it is naturally lactose-free and therefore suitable for those following a dairy-free diet. However, it’s important to double-check the label as some varieties may be contaminated with dairy during processing or include added lactose in their ingredients list, like in ice cream.
Price
The price of oat milk varies depending on the brand and quality of the product. In general, expect to pay more for organic options or those that contain other added benefits such as extra vitamins or proteins. Budget-conscious shoppers should wait for sales to bring down the cost of their purchase significantly.
Shelf Life
The shelf life of an oat milk product depends on how it’s been processed and packaged; some require refrigeration while others can remain unrefrigerated until opened. In general, unopened products have a shelf life of up to two months when stored properly, but once opened, this will decrease significantly by around 7 to 10 days. Read the labels carefully to get an accurate timeline of when your product will expire for optimal freshness.
Allergens
Oat milk is free from common allergens such as nuts and wheat, however, this is not always guaranteed. It’s important to read the labels carefully when selecting oat milk, as some may contain traces of nut or wheat allergens due to cross-contamination. Additionally, certain flavoring agents, such as vanillin, can trigger food allergies in sensitive individuals. So, read ingredient lists thoroughly before making your purchase.
Additives
Some commercial oat milk contains added sweeteners or preservatives to extend their shelf life or make them more palatable; while these additives increase convenience they can also reduce nutritional value and create unwanted health risks depending on the type used, like artificial sweeteners. Look out for products labeled all-natural or 100% organic if you want to avoid unnecessary additives altogether.
Sustainability
Sustainability is an important factor when shopping for any kind of food product. Make sure you look for certification labels indicating that the product has been sustainably produced without excessive wastefulness. Avoid products that use harsh chemicals or pesticides as part of the production process. Additionally, seeking out locally sourced varieties can reduce your carbon footprint while you simultaneously support local farmers!
Ethical Practices
A company’s ethical practices are important to consider when you’re thinking about what to buy. Seek out products that adhere to fair trade regulations because they source their ingredients responsibly and fairly pay their workers. Also, look out for the Certified B Corp certifications, which indicate that a company meets certain standards regarding environmental performance, social responsibility, and economic performance.
Packaging and Disposal Method
Choosing environmentally friendly packaging is essential. Look for items packaged in glass jars or cardboard boxes. These can be easily recycled, whereas non-biodegradable plastic bottles unfortunately often end up in oceans and landfills worldwide. Additionally, double-check to see if your local recycling center accepts these materials so that you can dispose of them correctly!
Top Picks
- Best Overall: Willa’S Oat Milk
- Creamiest Option: Califia Farms Oat Milk
- Most Flavorful: Oatsome Oat Milk
- Most Natural: Malk Oat Milk
- Most Versatile: Milkadamia Oat Milk
Reviews
Creamiest Option
Califia Farms Oat Milk
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Most Flavorful
Oatsome Oat Milk
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Most Natural
Malk Oat Milk
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Most Versatile
Milkadamia Oat Milk
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
FAQs
Is oat milk good for you?
Oat milk can be a nutritious alternative to dairy milk, as it's often fortified with vitamins and minerals like calcium and vitamin D. However, its nutritional value can vary depending on additives and processing, so it's essential to choose varieties with minimal added sugars and ingredients.
What is the shelf life of oat milk?
Once opened, carton or shelf-stable oat milk typically lasts up to 7 days after opening when stored in the refrigerator. Unopened cartons of shelf-stable oat milk can last up to 6 months when stored at room temperature, as long as it is kept away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Does oat milk contain gluten?
Oat milk naturally does not contain gluten, but cross-contamination can occur during processing. Look for certified gluten-free oat milk if you have gluten sensitivities or allergies.
Is oat milk high in protein?
No, oat milk is not particularly high in protein compared to cow's milk. Depending on the variety, it may contain around 2 grams of protein per cup, which is much less than cow's milk at 8 grams per cup.
What is the difference between oat milk and cow's milk?
The main difference between oat milk and regular cow's milk is that oat milk is plant-based and dairy-free. Alternatively, regular cow's milk is an animal-based dairy product with higher levels of saturated fat and cholesterol. Oat milk is lower in calories and has less sugar than regular cow's milk, but can also have higher fiber and lower protein.